Living Treasures New Castle: History, Development, Events and Activities

Living Treasures New Castle is a family-friendly animal park located in New Castle, Pennsylvania. The park is home to over 400 animals from around the world, including exotic and endangered species. Visitors can interact with many of the animals through hand-feeding, petting, and other activities.

Some of the animals you can see at Living Treasures in New Castle include tigers, lions, bears, monkeys, kangaroos, lemurs, parrots, and many more. The park offers various educational programs, guided tours, and animal encounters for visitors of all ages. Living Treasures also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a gift shop.

The park is open seasonally, usually from April through November, and admission fees vary depending on age and activities chosen. Visitors are advised to check the park’s website for the latest information on hours of operation and admission prices.

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History and Development of Living Treasures New Castle

The idea for Living Treasures New Castle was born when the owners, Robert and Vicky Monk, were visiting another petting zoo and noticed that the animals did not seem to be well cared for. They decided that they wanted to create a place where animals would be treated with respect and given proper care.

The Monks began by acquiring a 60-acre property in New Castle and started building enclosures and habitats for the animals they would be caring for. The park officially opened in 1998 with just a few animals, including a camel, a donkey, and a kangaroo.

Over the years, Living Treasures New Castle has expanded and added new exhibits and animals. Today, the park is home to over 300 animals from more than 70 different species. Visitors can see everything from tigers and lions to monkeys and birds.

In addition to the animal exhibits, Living Treasures New Castle also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors. These include guided tours, animal encounters, and even a summer camp for kids.

Living Treasures New Castle has become a beloved destination for families in the region and has received numerous awards and accolades for its commitment to animal welfare and education. The park continues to evolve and grow, with new exhibits and activities being added regularly.

Objectives of Living Treasures New Castle

Conservation: Living Treasures aims to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and the need to protect wildlife and their natural habitats. The park provides a safe and comfortable environment for animals to thrive, and visitors can learn about their habitats and behaviors.

Education: Living Treasures aims to educate visitors of all ages about the diversity of the animal kingdom, their natural behaviors, and the importance of wildlife conservation. The park offers a range of educational programs, including guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on experiences.

Entertainment: Living Treasures provides a fun and engaging environment for visitors to enjoy while learning about wildlife. The park offers a range of activities, including animal feedings, pony rides, and a petting zoo, which are designed to provide visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Animal Welfare: Living Treasures is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. The park provides spacious and well-maintained enclosures, regular veterinary care, and a healthy diet for all animals in its care.

Additionally, Living Treasures aims to promote conservation, education, and animal welfare while providing visitors with a fun and engaging experience with a wide variety of animals.

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Importance of Living Treasures New Castle

Here are some reasons why Living Treasures is important to New Castle:

Educational opportunities: Living Treasures offers educational programs and field trips that provide visitors, particularly students, with hands-on experiences and knowledge about animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

Conservation efforts: Living Treasures is committed to preserving and protecting endangered species and animals that are threatened in their natural habitats. The park participates in various breeding programs, such as the Species Survival Plan, to increase the population of endangered species.

Economic impact: Living Treasures attracts tourists and visitors to New Castle, which can stimulate the local economy. The park provides employment opportunities for local residents and supports other local businesses, such as restaurants and hotels.

Entertainment value: Living Treasures provides a unique and fun experience for families and individuals. Visitors can interact with animals, feed them, and learn about their behaviors and personalities. This helps to promote a sense of appreciation and respect for animals and nature.

Overall, Living Treasures is an important part of New Castle’s community and culture. It promotes conservation efforts, education, and entertainment, which have positive impacts on the local economy, the environment, and the community’s well-being.

Events and Activities

Animal Encounters: Visitors can get up close and personal with some of the park’s animals during scheduled animal encounters. These experiences allow visitors to interact with animals like sloths, lemurs, and kangaroos.

Feeding Experiences: Visitors can also purchase food to feed the park’s animals. Some of the animals visitors can feed include giraffes, camels, and goats.

Pony Rides: Children can enjoy a pony ride around the park.

Educational Programs: Living Treasures Animal Park offers educational programs for school groups and other organizations. These programs cover topics like animal habitats, adaptations, and conservation.

Birthday Parties: Living Treasures Animal Park hosts birthday parties for children. The parties include a tour of the park, animal encounters, and a private room for food and presents.

Seasonal Events: The park hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, including a fall festival and a Christmas light display.

Special Events: Living Treasures Animal Park hosts special events throughout the year, including a wine and cheese festival, a craft fair, and a car show.

Group Tours: The park offers group tours for organizations and businesses. These tours include a private tour of the park and a catered lunch.

Note that some of these activities may have additional fees or require advance registration. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website or contact them directly for more information.

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